LipiFlow proves safe and effective for long-term treatment of MGD

The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System has been consistently demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and associated evaporative dry eye disease (DED) over the past 13 years, according to a study.

A comprehensive review showed that a single 12-minute LipiFlow treatment provides significant and long-lasting improvement in MGD symptoms with minimal and non-serious adverse events.

The review systematically analyzed 55 clinical studies involving 2101 patients and 3521 eyes treated with LipiFlow. Effectiveness was evaluated in 2041 patients and 3401 eyes, while safety was assessed in 1448 patients and 2443 eyes.

While some studies found that daily eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and massages offered similar benefits, these treatments were often inconvenient and uncomfortable, leading to poor patient compliance. In contrast, most studies reported no discomfort or pain associated with LipiFlow, highlighting its acceptability among patients.

All adverse events related to LipiFlow were transient and non-vision-threatening, requiring no further treatment. No serious AEs were reported in any study.

Reference
Blackie CA, Murakami D, Donnenfeld E, et al. Vectored Thermal Pulsation as a Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Review Spanning 15 Years. Ophthalmol Ther. 2024;doi: 10.1007/s40123-024-00976-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38879718.